Almost every teenager is faced with the problem of acne, pimples and scars from them that remain for life. There are many ways to eliminate this problem, ranging from the use of special creams and ointments to painful blood transfusions. For most people, acne goes away after adolescence, but for some it continues throughout their lives, causing many problems, ranging from physical imperfections to emotional breakdowns. When all the methods have already been tried, the time-tested drug “Roaccutane” can come to the rescue, reviews, photos before and after use of which you can see in this article. Many user reviews collected and analyzed by us indicate the incredible effectiveness of this remedy. However, you need to be prepared for all sorts of side effects. Therefore, the drug should be used only on the recommendation of a doctor, as well as under his constant supervision.
According to reviews from dermatologists, acne disappears without a trace after Roaccutane, but only if the correct dosages are observed and there are no contraindications. If you want to achieve good results, do not self-medicate.
What is Roaccutane for acne?
This drug is a very effective remedy for the treatment of pimples and acne. It looks like reddish capsules. The main component of this drug is isotretinoin in a dosage of 10 or 20 mg. Also in the composition you can find soybean oil, gelatin, starch, glycerol, beeswax, as well as food coloring.
Please note that Roaccutane for acne is prescribed only for the treatment of severe forms of acne that do not respond to other treatment methods.
The principle of action of the drug
“Roaccutane” (you can see reviews, before and after photos in this article) is very popular among dermatologists. The use of the drug gives incredible results, for which it is so highly valued. Strange as it may sound, scientists still cannot say with complete certainty how exactly this drug works.
Isotretinoin, which is the main component of the drug, has the following effects on the human body:
- makes the sebaceous glands less active, so the skin becomes less oily
- has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect
— quickly reduces the diameter of inflamed skin areas.
Causes of acne formation
Human skin is covered with epithelial tissue, which is constantly exfoliated and renewed. Very often, the gland ducts become clogged with sebum and keratin, which leads to the formation of comedones or acne. Gradually, inflammatory processes will join this, and the skin will become covered with a huge number of large inflamed pimples.
As you know, the sebum secreted by the skin is an excellent environment in which many different bacteria grow and multiply. They are the source of inflammation and other skin troubles.
The drug "Roaccutane" (reviews, before and after photos are presented in this review) is an excellent solution for problem skin. Many dermatological studies confirm the effectiveness of this drug. With regular use, this medication will tidy up the epithelial tissue, reduce the amount of sebum produced, and this, in turn, will reduce the number of bacteria on the surface of the skin. Every day the dermis will become cleaner.
Pharmacokinetic properties
“Roaccutane” (reviews, before and after photos confirm the effectiveness of the drug) contains isotretinoin, which is absorbed into the blood in the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, its maximum concentration can be detected in the blood within two to four hours after use. Doctors recommend taking the drug after meals, as this very well increases the bioavailability of the components.
The drug is eliminated from the body through urine and feces twenty to thirty hours after use.
Correct dosage
If you decide to start taking Roaccutane, the dosage should be determined by your doctor. According to reviews from doctors and patients, this medication should be taken orally once or twice a day, depending on the severity of your skin condition. At the same time, the dynamics of treatment can be changed, as well as negative consequences can be determined based on the initial condition of the patient, as well as on the dosage prescribed by the doctor. At the same time, every competent doctor can say that you need to start treatment with a minimum dosage, and, based on the results obtained, plan further treatment. In this case, the average amount of active substance per day should be about 0.5 mg of the drug per 1 kg of weight. For very severe forms of inflammation of the skin, the dosage should be increased to two milligrams. But, again, this needs to be done gradually.
Typically the treatment period lasts about 16-24 weeks, during which time you can see incredible results. Acne and inflammation will completely disappear, leaving no scars behind. However, if the patient does not feel well at the prescribed dosage, then it should be reduced to avoid negative consequences.
According to reviews, to completely get rid of acne, one course of treatment with Roaccutane is enough. However, if there is an urgent need, it can be repeated. In this case, the dosage and duration of treatment should remain the same.
Is there a possibility of overdose
The instructions for use recommend using the drug "Roaccutane" only after consultation with your doctor. If you adhere to the correct dosage, there should be no consequences. However, if a large amount of this medicine is consumed, symptoms of vitamin A hypervitaminosis may be noticed. In order to eliminate this side effect, it is necessary to urgently perform gastric lavage.
Interaction with other medications
Before you start using the drug "Roaccutane", instructions for use of which are given in this article, you need to take into account some recommendations on the interaction of this drug with other drugs.
Under no circumstances should you overuse vitamin A while you are undergoing treatment with Roaccutane, as this can lead to hypervitaminosis.
You cannot combine the drug with tetracycline and isotretinoin, as this can cause a sharp increase in intracranial pressure.
Doctors recommend paying attention to the fact that during the course of treatment the effectiveness of progesterone decreases, so it is worth using contraceptives that can increase the level of this hormone.
Please note that using Roaccutane together with esfoliants or keratolytic agents is fraught with damage to the skin. She becomes very sensitive, a large number of irritations appear on her.
Is it possible to use the drug during pregnancy?
If you decide to undergo treatment with Roaccutane, contraindications are the first point that future patients need to pay attention to.
Of course, positive reviews about the medicine inspire many women to undergo treatment. However, every girl should know: this remedy is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy.
The main active ingredient of the tablets is isotretinoin, which has a teratogenic effect on the body. Even the shortest treatment with minimal dosages can lead to very serious developmental abnormalities of the unborn baby.
Important recommendations for women
Not all young ladies can be treated with Roaccutane. Before you begin this process, please review these guidelines:
— it is advisable to use the drug only for persons with the most severe form of rash that is not amenable to other treatment methods
- in no case should you self-medicate, the dosage should be determined by your attending physician, and you should not violate his recommendations
- a woman should be informed about the dangers of using pills during pregnancy if she conceives, she should immediately notify the doctor and stop treatment
- this anti-acne drug can reduce the effect of oral contraceptives or render them ineffective altogether
— a woman should listen to the doctor’s recommendations not only about the correct dosage, but also about her lifestyle during the course of treatment
— every girl is obliged to approach the health of her unborn baby with full responsibility, therefore the drug can only be used in conjunction with two levels of contraception: oral and barrier
- before the initial visit to the dermatologist, you need to make sure that there is no pregnancy, for this you need to do a test, moreover, this procedure needs to be done every month, as well as for several weeks after the end of treatment
— every woman should visit a doctor once a month and monitor her health.
These recommendations are relevant not only for the first course of treatment, but also for each subsequent one (you can read how to take Roaccutane in this article). It is very important to observe correct contraception while using this anti-acne drug, because according to doctors, the consequences can be very sad not only for the woman, but also for her unborn child.
Price of tablets
The drug "Roaccutane", the price of which is quite high, has a number of advantages over other drugs, as it is very effective in the treatment of acne. You can buy tablets at almost any pharmacy. The product is available in packages of 30, 50, 100 or 200 tablets. The drug "Roaccutane", the price of which starts from two thousand rubles for a small package, is not low, so it is more profitable to buy two hundred tablets at once, especially if you are counting on a long period of treatment.
Rules for monitoring the absence of pregnancy
Please note that a pregnancy test should be performed in the first three days of the menstrual cycle.
Before starting treatment, each patient must take contraceptives. This must be done in advance (about a month in advance). Also, testing must be done on the day of visiting the doctor, and the results must be documented.
Anti-acne pills "Roaccutane", the treatment effect of which seems incredible, still have many features for use by women. Every girl should visit a doctor every twenty-eight days from the start of treatment. In this case, the course of taking the tablets is exactly one month. If necessary, after this period, the course of taking anti-acne capsules can be extended (provided that the patient’s condition does not worsen).
Use of the product by men
"Roaccutane" - capsules that are excellent for the stronger sex. When men use this medicine, there is a very small chance of having an unhealthy child, since its concentration in the seminal fluid is quite low. However, just like women, the medication should be used with extreme caution.
Features of pregnancy planning after using the drug
Roaccutane tablets, the composition of which is indicated in this article, should be taken with extreme caution by the fairer sex. And a possible pregnancy should be taken seriously.
You can start planning to conceive a child at least a month after the end of treatment. At the same time, you need to take all kinds of tests and check your level of health.
However, if pregnancy occurs during an unfavorable period, then every woman should seriously understand that the health of the unborn baby may be in danger, since the drug contains isotretinoin. Roaccutane can lead to termination of pregnancy.
Please note that the drug should never be taken by nursing women, as the active substances can pass into breast milk.
Existing side effects
According to reviews from doctors and patients, the use of these anti-acne pills can cause many negative consequences and effects. Before using the product, be sure to read them to protect yourself from possible negative effects.
List of side effects:
- headache, loss of consciousness, loss of appetite, increased intracranial pressure and all kinds of manifestations of depression
- a significant decrease in the level of vision, as well as the appearance of various diseases of the visual system
- the appearance of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
- diseases of the circulatory system (especially anemia, leukopenia and significant changes in platelet levels)
- constant pain in joints and muscles, as well as arthritis and hyperostosis
- the appearance of increased sweating, allergic reactions, photoallergy and increased skin pigmentation
- the skin and mucous membranes become very dry
- increased risk of contracting streptococcal infections
- epidermal toxic necrolysis.
Who should not use the drug
"Roaccutane", analogues of which are listed in this article, is considered a very effective drug against acne. However, it must be used with extreme caution.
Please note the following contraindications when using these tablets:
- pregnant and lactating women
- excess vitamin A content in the body
- severe hyperlipidemia
- simultaneous use of tetracycline medications
- the medicine cannot be used for renal and liver failure
- if the patient has hypersensitivity to at least one component of the drug
- cannot be used by persons under twelve years of age.
With extreme caution, capsules can be prescribed for the treatment of serious forms of rashes for people suffering from obesity, alcoholism, depression, and poor metabolism.
Important tips to follow during treatment
“Roaccutane” (cream, ointment, tablets you can buy in almost every pharmacy) has a fairly strong effect on the human body. Therefore, consider a few important tips to ensure that the treatment is not only effective, but also safe.
The component isotretinoin, which is part of the drug, actively accumulates in the liver, which helps to quickly and effectively cleanse the skin of acne and pimples. And even after you have completed the course of treatment, the drug does not completely leave your liver, which helps to consolidate the results.
Please note that this anti-acne medicine dries out the skin very much, so constantly use moisturizing balms, creams and lotions. If you don't do this, there is a risk that your skin will look like tattered shreds.
Doctors do not recommend treatment in the summer. While using the tablets, the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight, so try not to stay under the scorching rays of the sun for a long time, and avoid visiting the solarium. And also, every time you go outside, use a high-quality protective cream.
Doctors draw patients' attention to the fact that during treatment with these tablets the liver is at risk, so it is recommended to carry out supportive procedures and also avoid drinking alcohol, fatty and fried foods. Try not to smoke and eat only natural, proven food.
Refuse to wax or do it very carefully. It is not recommended to damage the skin, because it is already very dry and sensitive.
If you are used to wearing lenses, then while taking Roccutane you will have to switch to glasses, since the mucous membranes of the eyes will become very dry, which will make wearing lenses very uncomfortable.
Isotretinoin, which is part of the drug, can weaken joints and muscles, so it is strongly recommended to completely abandon sports during treatment, as there is a huge risk of injury in the form of fractures or sprains.
Analogs
The drug "Roaccutane", analogs of which are listed below, can be replaced with other similar drugs if necessary. However, before undertaking such a procedure, be sure to consult your dermatologist.
Pay attention first of all to these popular analogues:
"Acnekutan": contains the same active substance - isotretinoin. It can eliminate pimples and blackheads very well and quickly and improve the overall condition of the skin. However, it is more expensive than all other products that have a similar effect.
“Erased”: can easily replace Roaccutane tablets, and is much cheaper than its analogues, including the drug we are considering. However, during its use, patients often noticed excessive dryness of the skin.
Reviews
According to reviews from doctors and patients, acne pills “Roaccutane” are indeed a very effective remedy that gives amazingly fast results. However, it is worth considering that this may hide a huge number of disadvantages. Under no circumstances should the product be used by pregnant or lactating women. Patients who took the risk of starting a course of treatment very quickly noticed excellent results, but quite often they had to take another course to consolidate the effect. But all the reviews are unanimous on one thing: by following the doctor’s recommendations, as well as monitoring your health, you can achieve excellent results.
Remember that Roaccutane tablets are intended to treat severe forms of acne, so consider them as a last resort treatment. Perhaps by normalizing your diet and starting to lead a healthy lifestyle, you can easily solve your skin problems. In any case, do not self-medicate and consult your doctor. And then you will notice that your skin has become clear, and acne and pimples have disappeared without a trace.
Every teenager during adolescence has encountered the problem of acne or, scientifically speaking, the manifestations of acne. Some people can easily benefit from cosmetics and procedures with narrowly targeted effects. For some individuals, all these manipulations do not improve their skin condition. Cosmetic defects in the form of acne, pimples and scars from them persist into adulthood. In this case, the person experiences not only physical, but also great emotional discomfort. Facial skin problems make it difficult to feel confident and fully enjoy life. In cases where all other control methods prove futile, doctors prescribe Roaccutane to patients. Reviews, photos before and after treatment with these tablets allow us to conclude that they are highly effective. However, it is worth noting the presence of a large number of side effects and the need for periodic monitoring of the patient’s biochemical blood parameters.
Roaccutane has received positive reviews from doctors. Experts say: in the absence of contraindications, as well as with absolute compliance with all recommendations, the patient experiences an excellent therapeutic and cosmetic effect.
What is this medicine?
"Roaccutane" - tablets, reviews of which are mostly positive - is a drug for the direct treatment of acne and acne. These red capsules contain a suspension, the main component of which is isotretinoin in an amount of 10 mg or 20 mg (depending on the release form). In addition to this retinoid, the drug includes additional components, including soybean oil, beeswax, glycerol, gelatin, potato starch and various food-grade dyes. "Roaccutane" is indicated for the treatment of severe forms of acne that cannot be cured by conventional methods.
How does the drug work?
Interesting fact: doctors still have not figured out the exact mechanism of action of the drug Roaccutane. Reviews, photos before and after treatment with this product inspire many doctors to recommend it to their patients with complex acne.
• Suppresses excess activity of the sebaceous glands.
• Reduces their diameter.
• Has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.
Why do pimples form?
The epithelium that covers the hair follicle grows and sloughs off. Its cells, corneocytes, clog the gland duct with keratin and sebum. This leads to the formation of a comedone, followed by an inflammatory reaction. Sebum is a favorite medium for the growth and reproduction of bacteria of the genus Propionibacterium acnes. They are the main prerequisites for the appearance of multiple pimples, redness and other associated unpleasant phenomena.
The drug "Roaccutane", reviews from doctors as proof of this, has dermatologically confirmed its ability to suppress the proliferation of sebocytes. It restores the physiologically normal level of differentiation of epithelial cells. "Roaccutane" reduces the activity of sebum production and thereby the growth of bacteria stops, inflammation is relieved, and a good cosmetic effect is achieved.
What are the pharmacokinetics of this drug?
Isotretinoin is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and its maximum concentration is detected in the blood within 2-4 hours after administration. There are some features of using the drug "Roaccutane". Reviews from experts allow us to draw the following conclusion: it is best to take tablets after meals. This increases the bioavailability of isotretinoin by 2 times compared to taking the drug on an empty stomach.
The main active ingredient binds most completely to blood proteins and is metabolized to form four main products. Isotretinoin and its metabolites are excreted in urine and feces over a period of 19 to 29 hours. The restoration of the physiological content of retinoids in the human body occurs 2 weeks after the end of the course of treatment.
In what dose should I take the medicine?
You can hear different reviews about how much Roaccutane (tablets) to take. It is worth noting that this criterion is set only by the attending physician, based on the individual circumstances of the patient’s condition.
The drug "Roaccutane", reviews, photos before and after treatment of which confirm its high effectiveness, is usually taken orally once or twice a day.
The presence of treatment dynamics, as well as side effects, directly depends on the initial condition of the patient and the prescribed dosage. These circumstances dictate an individual approach to how to prescribe the drug Roaccutane. Reviews from doctors suggest that it is always better to start with a minimum dose, which is calculated from the proportion of 0.5 mg of isotretinoin per 1 kg of patient’s body weight for 24 hours. According to statistics, the average amount of the drug prescribed is 0.5-1.0 mg/kg of body weight per day. If the patient’s acne is characterized as severe, then he is prescribed a larger dosage – up to 2.0 mg/kg per day. Moreover, in these cases, they start with a small amount - 10 mg / day and, if necessary, increase to 1 mg / kg of weight per 24 hours.
There is an optimal regimen for taking the drug “Roaccutane” for acne. Reviews from doctors indicate the amount of medicinal substance is 120-150 mg/kg of weight, which is distributed over the entire course. Therefore, the duration of treatment directly depends on the prescribed daily dosage of the drug. Usually, within a period of 16-24 weeks, it is possible to achieve virtually complete acne remission. If the patient tolerates the prescribed dosage regimen poorly, then the daily dose is reduced and the duration of therapy is increased.
Basically, one course of treatment with Roaccutane - reviews, before and after photos confirm this fact - is enough for the complete disappearance of acne. However, if the patient has a clear relapse, the doctor may prescribe a second therapeutic period. At the same time, the dosage and duration of treatment with the drug remains unchanged.
The duration of the cosmetic effect provided by tablets for acne on the face “Roaccutane”, according to reviews from doctors and patients, is 8 weeks. Therefore, the need for a second course of treatment becomes apparent only after this time period and is not prescribed earlier.
Can there be an overdose?
If the patient has exceeded the recommended doses when taking the drug "Roaccutane", instructions for use, patient reviews indicate the occurrence of symptoms of hypervitaminosis with vitamin A. This can be eliminated by gastric lavage, which must be done in the first hours after the excess use of the drug has occurred.
How does the drug interact with other medications?
The simultaneous use of Roaccutane and vitamin A leads to hypervitaminosis of the latter, so this combination should be avoided.
Combined therapy with isotretinoin and tetracyclines is contraindicated, as this leads to an increase in intracranial pressure.
Quite often there is a decrease in the effectiveness of progesterone, which is caused by acne pills "Roaccutane". Reviews from doctors indicate that when treating with this drug, contraceptives with a higher hormone content should be used and barrier methods of contraception should be used.
If the patient uses local keratolytic agents or exfoliants during treatment with Roaccutane, skin irritation may occur.
Can pregnant women use the drug?
“Roaccutane” (tablets, reviews of which inspire many to test their effectiveness for themselves) have a very important feature: they are absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy.
This fact is related to the contraindication of the drug to women of childbearing age who do not meet the following criteria:
• Having severe acne that does not resolve with conventional treatment.
• The woman flawlessly understands and follows all the doctor’s recommendations.
• She was informed by the doctor about the dangers of pregnancy during therapy with Roaccutane and the month after it, and about the need for emergency consultation with a specialist in the event of conception.
• The woman is aware of the decrease or complete loss of contraceptive effectiveness.
• She understands the essence and necessity of all preventive measures prescribed by the doctor.
• The woman understands the importance of continuous protection from pregnancy throughout the course of treatment, the month before and after it, as well as the need to use 2 methods of contraception at the same time (including barrier).
• The woman has a negative pregnancy test result, which must be obtained no later than 11 days before the course of treatment. Also, this manipulation should be carried out monthly during therapy and 5 weeks after its completion.
• She must start taking the drug only on the 2-3rd day of the next normal menstruation.
• A woman must visit a doctor monthly.
• All of the above positions are also relevant for repeated courses of treatment with Roaccutane.
It is imperative to combine reliable contraception with the acne remedy Roaccutane. Feedback from experts indicates the need for strict adherence to this rule by all women, even those who do not take contraceptives due to infertility, suffer from amenorrhea and are not sexually active. The only exception can be made for patients who have undergone a hysterectomy.
What should a doctor remember?
The doctor must know about some facts about the patient’s condition before prescribing her treatment with Roaccutane. Feedback from experts indicates that in order to avoid unforeseen circumstances, the doctor must be absolutely sure of the following points:
• The patient has a really severe form of acne, which cannot be cured by other methods of therapy, namely nodular-cystic or conglobate phenomena leading to scar formation.
• The woman has a negative pregnancy test result that was taken before the course of treatment, during therapy and 5 weeks after its completion. All this data, including the date of analysis, is strictly documented.
• The patient must use contraception (1, or preferably 2), and the barrier method is mandatory. This rule applies to the period of a month before treatment, the entire course and 30 days after therapy.
• The woman fully understands the need to comply with all measures to prevent pregnancy.
• The patient meets all the criteria listed previously.
Features of monitoring the absence of pregnancy
It should be noted that a pregnancy test, characterized by a sensitivity of 25 mIU/ml, must be performed in the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle.
Before starting the course, the patient must start taking contraceptives a month. A pregnancy test is performed on the day of Roaccutane's prescription, its date and result are documented by the doctor.
During treatment, the patient is required to visit the doctor every 28 days with a mandatory check for absence of pregnancy. The same test is performed 5 weeks after the end of therapy.
"Roaccutane", patient reviews of which indicate its excellent cosmetic effect, is prescribed by prescription and only for a period of 30 days. If continued therapy is required, it is recommended to repeat the pregnancy test.
Can men take the medicine?
Treatment of acne in men with Roaccutane is appropriate, but the patient should take care to prevent other people from taking this medication. The exposure of the drug in the seminal fluid is small and is not capable of exhibiting teratogenic properties.
How to plan a pregnancy?
Many women are worried about how pregnancy will proceed after Roaccutane. Reviews from doctors indicate that planning for conception can begin no earlier than a month after the complete course of treatment.
If, subject to all precautions, pregnancy occurs during a dangerous period, then the woman should be aware of the high risk of developing severe pathologies of the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, face and endocrine glands in the fetus. Therefore, the issue of saving the child is being resolved.
The drug "Roaccutane" should not be taken by women during lactation, as it passes into breast milk.
What undesirable effects may occur?
There are quite a large number of side effects that a patient may experience when using the drug Roaccutane. Instructions, reviews from doctors and patients indicate the following undesirable manifestations:
• Depression, increased intracranial pressure, headache, seizures.
• Reduced daytime and twilight vision, eye diseases, hearing impairment.
• Stool disorders, nausea, intestinal inflammation, pancreatitis, bleeding.
• Anemia, changes in platelets, ESR, hematocrit, neutropenia and leukopenia.
• Pain in joints and muscles, hyperostosis, tendonitis, arthritis.
• Rash, erythema, itching, sweating, pigmentation, thinning and hair loss, photoallergy.
• Dryness of the skin and mucous membranes of the lips, nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx, eyes.
• Changes in laboratory parameters: increased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins, hyperglycemia.
• Systemic or local streptococcal infections.
• Hematuria, vasculitis, hypersensitivity, lymphadenopathy.
• Stephen-Jones syndrome, erythema multiforme, epidermal toxic necrolysis.
Who is the drug contraindicated for?
The drug "Roaccutane" is contraindicated for the following diseases and conditions:
• Severe hyperlipidemia.
• Pregnancy and lactation.
• Therapy with tetracycline drugs.
• Increased sensitivity to the components of the drug.
• Children under 12 years of age.
This drug is prescribed with caution to patients with diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, lipid metabolism disorders, depression and obesity.
The effectiveness of this drug is beyond doubt. "Roaccutane", reviews, photos and impressions of which indicate its unsurpassed therapeutic and cosmetic manifestations, inspires confidence in the cure of acne, even the most severe forms. However, you should remember all the side effects of the drug, incompatibility with pregnancy and lactation, as well as the presence of a number of contraindications. This drug is prescribed only by the attending physician, who individually prescribes the dosage and duration of the course of therapy to the patient.
The description is valid on 20.05.2015
- Latin name: Roaccutane
- ATX code: D10BA01
- Active substance: Isotretinoin
- Manufacturer: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland)
Compound
The active substance is isotretinoin (10 or 20 mg).
Auxiliary elements: soybean oil and beeswax.
Release form
The drug is available in capsule form.
pharmachologic effect
Regeneration stimulator.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The active component is a biologically active form of vitamin A, which can be independently synthesized in the human body. The main substance does not interact with subclasses (receptors: alpha, beta, gamma) of nuclear receptors retinoic acid.
Within a short period of time, isotrethionine is converted into transretinoic acid (trethionine) and other ligands of nuclear receptors, which ultimately disrupts the process of gene expression and protein synthesis (both induction and inhibition are possible).
Under the influence of the drug, the production and number of sebaceous glands, concentration decreases Propionibacterium acnes, which allows you to get rid of acne with the help of the drug Roaccutane. The medication does not have antibacterial or antimicrobial activity. The drug stimulates regeneration processes, slows down the terminal phase of keratinocyte differentiation, and has antiseborrheic and keratolytic, as well as anti-inflammatory effects.
Indications for use
Roaccutane is prescribed for the treatment of acne vulgaris of severe origin and course (with the formation of scars, age spots, pustules, hemorrhages), which cannot be treated with other methods.
The medication is indicated for violations of the keratinization process: red hairy pityriasis, palmoplantar shape keratoderma, ichthyosis, keratosis pilaris. The tablets are effective for hidradenitis suppurativa, folliculitis (if the pathogen belongs to the gram-negative flora), rosacea (severe variant).
Contraindications
The medication is not prescribed for hypervitaminosis A, intolerance to isotretinoin, during pregnancy or when planning it. Instructions for use of Roaccutane recommend prescribing the medication with caution in chronic pancreatitis, severe pathology of the kidneys and hepatic system, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and alcoholism.
Side effects
Musculoskeletal system: use in high doses leads to the development hyperostosis, arthralgia.
Side effects from sense organs: twilight vision impairment, burning sensation in the eyes, xerophthalmia, Optic neuritis, discomfort when wearing lenses, impaired visual perception, clarity, cataracts.
Skin: cheilitis, skin rashes, skin infections, hair thinning, peeling skin on the soles and palms, development of photosensitivity, itching.
Nervous system: pseudotumor cerebri (manifestations in the form of uncontrollable vomiting and nausea, headache, visual disturbances), suicidal thoughts, fatigue, psychosis, depression.
Digestive tract: dry mouth, dyspepsia, colitis, hepatitis, regional form ileitis, bleeding from the gums.
During treatment with Roaccutane, laboratory parameters may change: decreased HDL levels, increased cholesterol, triglycerides.
The effect of the drug on the fetus, embryotoxic and teratogenic effect: causes malformations of the cardiovascular system, microophthalmia, hydrocephalus or microcephaly, underdevelopment of the bones of the forearm, femur, cervical vertebrae, skull, digital phalanges, low position of the ears, cleft palate, complete absence or underdevelopment of the external auditory canal, premature closure of the growth epiphyseal zones, developmental disorders thymus gland, fusion of fingers and toes, various types of bone fusions, hernias of the spinal cord and brain, up to the death of the fetus in the perinatal period.
When conducting experiments on animals, the drug caused the formation pheochromocytomas.
The medicine may also cause dryness and bleeding from the mucous membranes of the nose.
Roaccutane, instructions for use (Method and dosage)
Roaccutane for acne
The course of therapy is 2-4 weeks, daily intake – 0.5 mg per 1 kg of weight the second stage of treatment lasts 12-20 weeks, daily 1 mg per kg of weight. Capsules are taken orally with meals.
Correction of the treatment regimen is carried out taking into account the effectiveness of the drug, the severity of side effects, and the tolerability of the active substance. A noticeable therapeutic effect appears after 1-2 months of therapy in some situations, 4-5 months are required to achieve remission. If within 15 weeks there is a 70% reduction in skin rashes, then the drug is discontinued.
If a recurrent and persistent course of the disease is confirmed, a mandatory break of 8 weeks is required before starting a new course. If a new exacerbation is registered during treatment, it is recommended to reduce the dose of the drug to 0.5 mg per 1 kg for 2 weeks.
At hidradenitis suppurativa, rosacea, folliculitis caused by gram-negative flora, Roaccutane tablets are prescribed in a daily dose of 0.5-1 mg per 1 kg of weight, the course is designed for 4 months.
Keratinization disorders
The medication is indicated in a dose of 4 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day, course for 4 months. Upon achieving clinical remission, switch to low dosages.
Overdose
The same symptoms appear as with an excess of vitamin A in the body. Initially, it may be necessary to rinse the stomach.
Interaction
Minocycline and others tetracyclines in combination with Roaccutane, they increase the level of intracranial pressure and reduce the effectiveness of isotretinoin.
Thiazide diuretics, sulfonamides and other drugs that increase photosensitivity increase the likelihood of sunburn.
Concurrent therapy retinoids (Adapalene, retinol, acitretin, tazarotene, tretinoin) leads to the development of hypervitaminosis A.
Terms of sale
Storage conditions
In a dry, dark place, out of reach of children, at a temperature of no more than 25 degrees Celsius.
Best before date
No more than three years.
special instructions
Patients suffering from diabetes require constant monitoring of glucose levels.
During treatment, it is recommended to avoid contact lenses and use glasses.
Donors are prohibited from donating blood while using the drug, as well as for a month after completing the course of treatment (if such blood enters the recipient - a pregnant woman - embryotoxic or teratogenic effects of the drug on the fetus may occur).
Women are strongly advised to use reliable contraception 4 weeks before starting the course, during treatment, and for a month after completing the drug. If pregnancy occurs within the specified period, it is terminated for medical reasons.
During treatment it is recommended to avoid ultraviolet radiation and increased insolation.
If colitis, signs of pseudotumor cerebri, or impaired visual perception appear, Roaccutane tablets should be discontinued. A neurological examination is mandatory when registering symptoms. pseudotumor cerebri.
The drug can have an adverse effect on the ability to drive vehicles and perform all types of work that require increased concentration, especially in the first stages of treatment.
Analogues of Roaccutane
Analogues are: Aknekutan, Isotrethionine, Will erase, Retinoic ointment, Retasol.
Reviews of Roaccutane
Reviews from experts indicate that the medication is well tolerated when the indicated dosages are observed, as well as the high effectiveness of the drug.
For mild to moderate acne vulgaris, acne pills are not prescribed. Drug therapy requires mandatory monitoring of the liver condition, lipid levels (analysis is carried out on an empty stomach).
Photo: before and after Roaccutane.
Roaccutane price, where to buy
The drug can be purchased at a pharmacy (presentation of a doctor's prescription form is not required). Specialized websites allow you to order medications online and have them delivered to your home.
Available dosages: 10 and 20 mg (capsule form).
You can buy Roaccutane in Moscow at a cost of 1,500 to 3,000 rubles.
The price of Roaccutane in Kazakhstan is approximately 17,000 tenge.